World number one Jannik Sinner crashed out of the French Open in the second round on Wednesday, losing 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to Argentine qualifier Juan Manuel Cerundolo in what is being described as one of the biggest shocks in recent years at Roland Garros.
The 23-year-old Italian, who had won his previous 30 matches and was widely considered the favourite for the title, said he 'couldn't find any energy' during the match but insisted the Paris heat was not to blame. 'It's not about the weather. I just didn't feel myself out there,' Sinner told reporters after the defeat.
“Jannik Sinner's shock second-round defeat to Juan Manuel Cerundolo ends his 30-match winning streak and leaves Novak Djokovic as the only remaining grand slam champion in the French Open men's draw.”
The result brings an abrupt end to Sinner's remarkable unbeaten run, which stretched back to early April and included titles in Miami, Monte Carlo and Rome. His early exit has thrown the men's draw wide open, with Novak Djokovic now the only remaining grand slam champion in the field.
Djokovic, a 24-time major winner and defending champion at Roland Garros, has struggled with form and fitness this season but will see Sinner's departure as a golden opportunity to add to his collection. The Serbian, who is yet to drop a set in the tournament, faces a relatively favourable path to the latter stages. 'It's now or never for Djokovic,' wrote one tennis analyst, noting that the Serb's main rivals have all fallen early.
The defeat was particularly surprising given Sinner's dominance on clay this spring. He had not lost a match on the surface since last year's French Open semi-finals. Cerundolo, ranked 112th in the world, had never beaten a top-10 player before and had only won one previous grand slam match.
For British tennis fans, Sinner's exit removes one of the biggest obstacles to a potential deep run by Cameron Norrie or Dan Evans, both of whom are still in the draw. However, both Britons face tough assignments in their next matches. The British number one, Norrie, has never gone beyond the third round at Roland Garros.
The tournament now hinges on Djokovic's ability to capitalise. The 37-year-old has been battling a persistent elbow issue and suffered early exits in Monte Carlo and Rome, but his experience could prove decisive in a depleted draw. 'He knows how to win these tournaments even when not at his best,' added the analyst. 'The door is open.'
Sinner's loss also means there will be a new champion on the men's side for the first time since 2016, when Djokovic won the first of his two French Open titles. The second round exit is Sinner's earliest at a grand slam since the 2022 US Open.
## What This Means For You
For tennis fans: The men's draw has become unpredictable. If you have a bet on the tournament, Djokovic's odds have shortened significantly. Keep an eye on the weather forecast—heat was not a factor for Sinner, but conditions in Paris can change quickly.
For casual viewers: The absence of top seeds like Sinner means matches could be more evenly contested, potentially offering more drama. The tournament remains wide open, with several first-time major finalists possible.
For British players: Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans may see a clearer path, but they still need to raise their games. Norrie faces a tricky third-round opponent; Evans has a winnable match but lacks consistency on clay.
For Novak Djokovic: This is likely his best chance to win a 25th grand slam title. His physical condition and mental resilience will be tested over the next week.